MJ Lenderman is Indie Rock’s Newest Hero and He Proves Versatility at Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse – Review and Photos

Photos and Review by Max Stewart

MJ Lenderman has successfully taken aspects of the ‘alternative’ or ‘indie’ stalwarts of the 90s and blended them into something that is uniquely his own. Many times there is a songwriter that just has the perfect formula to resonate on a massive scale, and Lenderman has certainly done that. With a tour that is largely sold-out across the U.S., his style has caught on quick which is testament to his fantastic songs and stellar latest album, Manning Fireworks.

When MJ Lenderman & the Wind performed at Atlanta‘s Variety Playhouse for his second sold-out night, the crowd was packed to the gills in anticipation after a fantastic set from Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band. Lenderman’s sound draws from artists such as Son Volt, Dinosaur Jr., Kurt Vile, Pavement, Drive By-Truckers. There is something here for everyone.

‘The Wind’ features Jon Samuels on guitar, Colin Miller on drums, Xandy Chelmis on pedal steel, and Ethan Baechtold on bass; they compliment and augment Lenderman at every live turn. His lyrics can be quirky and pop-culture based (i.e. a whole song dedicated to Michael Jordan’s ‘flu game’ – “Hangover Game”) or have the poignancy to bring you to your knees. All that mixed with jangly guitar hooks and the occasional pedal steel, and you have struck indie gold that shines brightly live. One of the many highlights of the second show was seeing the dark and menacing “Six Flags”, a rarely performed tune that almost borders on doom metal. It is always a treat to see an artist that is so unique and on an upward trajectory for good reason. If you can, catch him on the road as he will no doubt be playing larger rooms in the years to come.

Setlist – MJ Lenderman & the Wind – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA – 1/27/25

Manning Fireworks
Joker Lips
Wristwatch
Rudolph
Inappropriate
Basketball #2
You Have Bought Yourself a Boat
TLC Cage Match
Pianos (Dan Davis of the Roadhouse Band on bongos)
She’s Leaving You
Rip Torn
Dancing in the Club (This Is Lorelei / Nate Amos cover)
On My Knees
You Are Every Girl to Me
You Don’t Know The Shape I’m In
Bark at the Moon (with Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band)
37 Push Ups (Smog cover) (Jim Marlowe of the Roadhouse Band on saxophone)
Six Flags (First time played since 2022, only second time ever played)